The study of the material obtained from the cervix allows you to determine the features of the cellular structure of this anatomical region, identify pathological changes and confirm or refute the proposed diagnosis.

The most common type of cytological analysis in gynecology is the PAP test, or Papanicolaou study. It was developed at the beginning of the twentieth century for early diagnosis oncological diseases of the cervix, and it continues to be used at the present time. Also in this area there are the latest methods - ThinPrep, or liquid cytology. This technique significantly increases the efficiency of diagnostic search and allows timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

Indications for cytological examination

The main goal of the implementation of the analysis for the cytology of the cervix is ​​the early detection of cancer. Timely detection of atypical cells in the biomaterial is necessary for the possibility of blocking the cancer process. Cervical cancer is one of the most common oncological pathologies among women. Its danger lies in the asymptomatic course, which is why research is so important.

Pap smear analysis from the cervical canal is accurate and fast way obtain reliable data on the presence or absence of atypical cells with precancerous or cancerous changes. In addition, the technique allows to identify some background diseases, the etiology of which is not tumor.

Cytological examination of cervical smears is the standard for detection and follow-up of the following pathological conditions:

• the presence of pathogenic microflora;
• violations of the cycle of menstruation (duration, intensity);
• viral diseases (genital herpes, human papillomavirus infection - HPV);
• infertility (impossibility of conception);
• erosive changes in the cervical epithelium;
• pathological discharge from the vagina.

A cytology smear is also necessary as a screening test in such cases:

1. Planning for pregnancy.
2. Several births in a row.
3. Early age of a woman during first birth.
4. Frequent change of sexual partners.
5. Postmenopause.
6. Planning for the placement of an intrauterine device.
7. Visible pathological changes when examining the cervix in the mirrors.
8. A burdened family history (cases of cervical cancer and other oncopathologies among relatives).
9. long-term hormone therapy.
10. A long time ago the previous study on cytology.

Cytological examination of cervical smears is recommended to be carried out annually for preventive purposes, and if any pathological abnormalities are detected, at least twice a year to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.

Preparation for the procedure for taking biomaterial

In order for the result of cervical cytology to be reliable, it is necessary to take into account the rules for preparing for biomaterial sampling. They are as follows:

1. Exception hygiene procedures in the form of douching (sanation).
2. Abstinence from sexual activity for three days before the procedure.
3. Temporary refusal to use tampons, vaginal suppositories, tablets, creams and gels.
4. Abstinence from urination two hours before sampling.

In addition, you need to be aware of such nuances:

• obtaining a smear from the cervical canal is possible only outside of menstrual bleeding, the optimal period is 10-12 days of the cycle;
• smear cytology will not be reliable in the acute phase of an infectious disease, therefore it is carried out after a course of therapy;
• intravaginal administration of any kind of medication should be stopped in agreement with the attending physician at least five days before the material sampling procedure.

Additional conditions and rules that the patient must take into account must be checked with the gynecologist.

Material sampling technique

To obtain material that will be subjected to cytological examination, the doctor makes a scraping from the exocervix - the outer part of the cervix - and from the mucous lining of the vagina using an Eyre spatula. To obtain a scraping and subsequent examination of a smear from the cervical canal, a special probe is used - endobrush. Its use allows obtaining biomaterial in sufficient quantity for analysis.

A gynecologist's tool kit for obtaining material may include:

• Eyre spatula;
• spirette - a tool for aspiration of material from the endocervix;
• endobrush;
• tweezers;
• gynecological mirror;
• Volkmann spoon.

The sequence of actions during the procedure includes:

1. Gynecological examination of the cervix in the mirrors. At the same time, the walls of the vagina are expanded and scrapings are performed, which can cause a feeling of slight discomfort.
2. At the same time, material is taken for analysis of microflora.
3. The resulting biomaterial samples are applied to the glass and fixed, then labeled and transferred to the laboratory for analysis.

What is an analysis for latent infections and how to pass it

The time of the procedure for obtaining biomaterial is no more than 15 minutes.

Interpretation of study results

The normal balance of microflora and the absence of pathological changes in the analysis of a smear for cytology confirm the healthy state of the cervical canal. The cells in the smear during the study are compared with the morphological standards of the norm, that is, their size, shape, structure should not have abnormal deviations.

The doctor confirms the compliance of the results of the study with a healthy state in the following cases:

1. A smear for cytology includes epithelial cells of a cylindrical single-layer type.
2. When taking a smear from the transition zone or the vagina, the detection of stratified epithelial cells is also normal.

Even slight deviations in cell morphology are reflected in the laboratory conclusion. Changes may confirm inflammatory diseases or the presence of benign anomalies. Most often noted:

• inflammatory atypia;
• atypia due to the presence of HPV;
• mixed atypia;
• atypia of unclear etiology, which require further diagnostic appointments.

What causes changes in the epithelium of the cervix?

Deviations in a cytology smear from normal values ​​can provoke such pathologies and conditions:

1. Human papillomavirus infection.
2. herpetic infection.
3. Trichomoniasis.
4. Candidiasis.
5. Prolonged use of medications, in particular antibiotics.
6. The use of hormonal contraceptives.
7. Installation of an intrauterine device
8. Pregnancy.

What changes are possible?

Benign changes may include:

1. Detection of Trichomonas, Candida fungi, anomalies caused by infection with the herpes virus.
2. Cellular atypia provoked by inflammatory reactions: metaplasia, keratosis.
3. Atrophic changes in epithelial cells in combination with inflammation: colpitis, metaplasia.

Dysplastic changes and atypia suggest the following conditions:

1. Atypia of unknown origin (ASC-US).
2. High risk of the presence of cancer cells in the material (HSIL).
3. Precancerous atypia: different degrees of dysplasia.

If cancer cells are detected, it is necessary to prescribe additional methods of examination and the subsequent course of therapeutic correction (conservative or surgical treatment) with constant cytological control.

Why is the cervix examined in the first place?

Labeling of cytology results

Changes in the results of cytological analysis of the designations presented in the table below.

Any degree of dysplastic changes is a signal confirming the need for further research and the appointment of adequate therapy.

Degrees of dysplasia

There are such degrees of dysplastic changes in the epithelium of the cervix:

1. Light. Confirms the beginning of an active inflammatory process.
2. Moderate. It speaks of a high risk of developing oncological pathologies.
3. Heavy. Precancerous.

Timely detection of dysplasia contributes to greater effectiveness of therapy, since it is still possible to prevent oncopathology.

Atypical cells detected: what does this mean for the patient

Regular medical consultations are the key to the effectiveness of both treatment and prevention.

The gynecologist should conduct a detailed consultation, during which he will tell what it is in a particular case, explain the advisability of conducting an additional examination. Additional diagnostic search methods will allow you to correctly determine the most effective course of therapy.

For diagnosis when atypical cells are detected during a cytological examination in gynecology, the following are additionally prescribed:

• repeated cytological analysis of the epithelium of the cervix;
• biopsy;
• general and biochemical blood test;
• human papillomavirus test.

It is important to follow all medical recommendations and prescriptions, this will allow you to short time identify and correct the pathological process. The effectiveness of the course of treatment should be regularly monitored by cytological examination. Therapy will be considered completed when the results of cytology confirm the healthy state of the cervical epithelium.

The study of scrapings from the cervix is ​​an important diagnostic procedure that should be carried out regularly for preventive monitoring of the woman's health. Annual visit to the gynecologist for examination and diagnosis possible pathologies should be the rule of life for everyone, because early diagnosis of any disease is the key to the timely start of treatment and its high efficiency.

There are a huge number of different methods for examining gynecological problems. One of them is a cytogram. This is a study of vaginal epithelial cells. It is performed in the laboratory and the smear is taken by the doctor. How to decipher the results, and what does the cytogram of inflammation mean, how serious is it, and how to treat?

What is a cytogram for and how to take an analysis?

The pelvic organs are composed of various types of cells, sometimes of several layers. When inflammatory or other pathological processes occur, cells that are uncharacteristic for this area can be detected. This is one of the first signs that a disease is developing. The sooner the problem is detected, the faster and more effectively it can be eliminated with minimal negative consequences.

In order to pass a cytogram, a woman must prepare. This is very important to ensure that the data obtained is as reliable as possible. Preparation is simple, but it must be approached as responsibly as possible. This is in the interests of the woman herself. When a gynecologist prescribes a cytogram for a woman, he informs her about how to prepare for this:

• a woman should not use hormonal contraceptives some time before the test;
• within 2 days before the delivery of the cytogram, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse, both protected and unprotected, because this will also affect the results of the analysis and their reliability;
• you can’t douche, because this will also distort the picture;
• it is undesirable for a woman to undergo gynecological examinations on a chair shortly before the test, because such “outside interference” can also distort the results;

Severe inflammation of the vagina can also cause distortion of the results.

How is a smear taken? The sampling is carried out by a special gynecological "brush" in the area of ​​the cervix and cervical canal. That is, two smears are taken, because it is in these places that the epithelial cells of the vagina accumulate. To do this, the doctor uses a special mirror to take the fence exactly where it is needed, and then applies a smear on the glass for research.

A cytogram can help identify various diseases:

• anomalies in the development of the cervix;
• STD;
• inflammatory processes of the uterus and cervix;
• changes that occur in tissues after menopause;
• neoplasms in the cervix;
• cervical erosion, etc.

Of course, if you suspect the presence of one of the above diseases, additional tests and examinations will be required.

Cells in the process of laboratory research are stained using special methods. This allows you to identify the nuclei, the cytoplasm of cells. It is very important that the analysis is carried out by a qualified cytologist and that the modern techniques and equipment to obtain the most reliable information. Usually, sending to the cytogram, the gynecologist in his direction indicates the disease he suspects. The cytologist, after the analysis, confirms the diagnosis, or refutes it. But, even if the diagnosis alleged by the gynecologist was not confirmed, but the cytogram reveals other problems, the cytologist indicates this in the conclusion.

A specialist in the laboratory under a microscope studies the type of cells, examines the epithelial cells on different layers, counts their number, pays attention to the shape, shape and size of the nucleus, the clarity of the boundaries, etc. All this can provide information about the presence of a particular pathology, viral or infectious process. As a result, one of the options is indicated in the transcript for the cytogram: negative or positive. If this is a negative option, then there are no problems and everything is within the normal range. If the result is positive, this indicates the presence of abnormal cells in the epithelium, which may differ in size, shape, size of the nucleus, or some other non-standard structural features.

Cytogram without features: what does it mean?

This means that the number of epithelial cells, their shape, size and other characteristics are within the normal range. All this suggests that there are no problems. Although, this also cannot be a 100% guarantee that there are no problems at all. Sometimes the results of cytology can be distorted if an incorrect smear was taken, or the woman ignored the rules for preparing for the test.

Usually, in the case of a cytogram with signs of inflammation with reactive or degenerative-regenerative changes in the epithelium, on the basis of one analysis, the diagnosis is not made, because the disorders can be complex. For example, if it is or papillomas, the nucleus of epithelial cells may be enlarged in size. But, such changes can be detected in other problems. Therefore, when making a diagnosis, the gynecologist takes into account not only the results of the cytogram, but also the patient's age, the phase of the menstrual cycle when the smear was taken, concomitant diseases, anamnesis, complaints, other symptoms and the results of a visual gynecological examination on the chair. Therefore, treatment is prescribed in accordance with the diagnosis based on all of the above factors.

Cytogram of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a common problem in women of reproductive age and menopause. Some gynecologists do not prescribe a cytogram if there is this disease, believing that due to abundant vaginal discharge, the results of the analysis will be incorrect, unreliable. Other doctors, on the contrary, specifically prescribe a cytogram to confirm the diagnosis. One of the main signs is that gardnerella are found on the surface of epithelial cells. After making sure that this is bacvaginosis, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment.

How a cytogram is performed, and what to do after receiving the results, look at the video:

Cytological examination of cervical cells is of great diagnostic value. This is the easiest and fastest way to detect a number of pathologies at an early stage.

A smear for cytology and its purpose

A cytological smear is regularly prescribed for women of reproductive age and menopause. pap test, Papanicolaou analysis- other names of the study, which is carried out after taking the material from the neck.

This smear involves microscopic analysis of cells from the surface of an organ, and is primarily intended for the early diagnosis of cancer. In addition to oncological diseases, the study reflects the presence of a number of other pathologies - infectious, inflammatory, precancerous etc.

The Pap test has many advantages - it is painless, inexpensive, effective, and the results are very accurate.

Usually a smear is taken during a standard gynecological examination, less often it is an independent diagnostic method. The results of the survey fully reflect the state of the cervix - that part of the organ where pathological processes most often occur. In most cases, a smear is performed from cervical canal- transition of the neck into the body of the organ.

Indications for cytological examination

Even without special indications, experts in gynecology advise doing such an examination once a year to achieve 20 years of age. After 40 years, it is better for a woman to make a diagnosis of the state of the genital area 2 times a year. This is due to the rapid progression of cervical cancer and its rapid transition to inoperable stages. The absence of symptoms is typical for the first stages of the disease, and it is during this period that cancer is detected less frequently. The conclusion is simple - a regular Pap test will make it possible to detect cancer at the beginning of its development.

Deciphering a cytological examination of cervical smears will reveal destructive changes, reflect the presence of erosions, STIs, and an inflammatory process. Indications for analysis are very diverse and are not limited to the diagnosis of cancer. It is recommended to make an analysis for such problems:

In the complex of studies, the PAP test is prescribed for infertility and pregnancy planning, before surgical operations in gynecology. An analysis is also shown for the selection of contraceptive methods, before installing the spiral. At HIV infection increases the risk of cancer Therefore, the study is scheduled to take place several times a year. Also at risk are women who often change partners, patients with diabetes, smokers, with weak immunity, and obesity.

Preparing and conducting analysis

Before performing a cytological analysis, a number of tips must be followed so that the degree of accuracy of the results is high. The rules for preparing for analysis are as follows:

It is unacceptable to do research during menstruation, you need to wait for them to end.

If there is an acute inflammatory process with mucus secretion, it is necessary to carry out treatment, and only then undergo a PAP test. Drawing strokes is easy.

The doctor, when examined in the mirrors, takes a special brush, which takes the material from three sections of the cervical canal. If necessary, an analysis is taken from the walls of the vagina with a second brush. After the material is applied to the glass, dried a little, sent to the laboratory. There, the cells of the cervix are stained with special reagents, examined through a microscope, determining the following indicators:

How to decipher the results of a smear?

A gynecologist needs to decipher the results - he will explain in detail to the woman about the nature of the changes, make a diagnosis, and prescribe the necessary treatment. There are five smear options, which are described in the table.

smear type	Characteristic	Expert advice	When is a repeat smear needed?
First	Negative smear, no abnormalities	The patient is healthy, no further examinations are needed	In a year
Second	Inflammatory smear	For non-specific inflammation, treatment is prescribed; if STIs are suspected, further examinations are carried out	In three months
Third	Single abnormal cells	Histological and detailed microbiological examination required	In three months
Fourth	Suspicion of cancer or dysplasia	Urgent colposcopy and biopsy	As needed
Fifth	Typical picture of cancer	Biopsy, surgery if possible	As needed

What else do you need to know about cervical smear?

A smear reflects the degree of cell change - it is impossible to see an accurate diagnosis in its decoding, this is the doctor's task. For example, the results show the presence of more than 15 leukocytes per field of view, which means the development of an inflammatory process, but does not indicate its cause. Therefore, the Pap test often serves primary method diagnostics, after which a number of other studies are carried out.

The complexity of diagnosing diseases of the genital organs in women often leads to a loss of time required for successful treatment. Often, the development of cancer cells is asymptomatic, and only a special examination can reveal a dangerous disease. A smear for cytology or a pap test in women allows you to identify cancer at an early stage and start treatment on time.

A cytological examination of the tissues of the cervix in women allows you to determine 5 types of changes in the cells. A smear for cytology is inexpensive and effective method diagnostics, used in medicine for more than 50 years. It is recommended to conduct a study for all women without exception aged 21 to 65 years at least 1 time per year. Deciphering the Pap test gives a complete picture of the presence or absence of any abnormalities.

A cytological smear (Pap test, Pap smear, smear for oncocytology) is performed during a gynecological examination. The doctor uses a mirror to examine the vagina, the entrance to the cervical canal and the cervical mucosa. If there is a suspicion of an anomaly, cells are taken with a special brush from 3 areas: from the walls of the vagina, the cervical canal, the entrance of the cervix. The procedure is comfortable, painless and does not require special preparation.

The mucus is applied evenly to the glass slide, dried and sent to the laboratory.

The laboratory assistant with the help of reagents stains the smear, examines it through a microscope. This method determines the indicators:

• cell structure;
• cell size;
• the shape of the epithelium;
• mutual arrangement;
• the number of cells per unit area;
• pathological changes in the structure of cells.

A smear for cytology allows you to determine the majority of inflammatory diseases, precancerous pathologies of the epithelium (dysplasia), malignant tumors. After taking a smear, spotting is often observed for 2-3 days, which is normal. Extremely rare - severe bleeding, abdominal pain, chills, fever. In this case, an urgent examination by a gynecologist is required.

When is an analysis ordered?

Ideally, every woman can undergo a cytology test regularly, without special instructions from a doctor. A routine gynecological examination can reveal the presence of inflammation of the cervix and cervical canal. A cytological smear is only a method of confirming the diagnosis. Therefore, it is better to adhere to the recommendations of the gynecologist - if there are no indications for analysis, then you should not worry ahead of time.

However, a cytology study should be carried out for women under the age of 40 - once a year, older women - 2 times a year and more often. Cases in which a cytological examination is prescribed in without fail:

• with menstrual irregularities;
• in inflammatory processes of the cervical canal, cervix, etc., especially chronic ones;
• in violation of reproductive function;
• during pregnancy planning;
• before surgery and other medical procedures;
• before installing an intrauterine device;
• taking hormone-containing drugs;
• obesity 2, 3 degrees;
• diabetes;
• the presence in the body of the papilloma virus, genital herpes;
• active sex life of a woman with frequent change of partners.

How to prepare for analysis

To ensure the maximum degree of purity of the smear, you should follow the rules before going to the gynecologist:

• Do not apply medications local action (vaginal tampons, suppositories, ointments).
• Do not douche.
• Wait until the end of the month.
• In inflammatory diseases with abundant secretion, a general treatment should first be carried out. After a control smear confirming recovery, you can proceed to the analysis for cytology.
• You can not urinate 3 hours before the cytological analysis.
• It is better to refrain from sexual intercourse 2 days before taking the secret.

Compliance with these rules will avoid unnecessary anxiety and repeated visits to the doctor.

If the doctor prescribed a smear for oncocytology, this does not mean that the doctor has made a terrible diagnosis and is waiting for its confirmation.

Remember: prevention is better than cure.

What can a cytological analysis reveal?

How to decipher a smear for oncocytology? The interpretation of the data obtained in the laboratory is understandable only to the doctor. And not always the gynecologist gives a detailed picture of the disease, not wanting to waste time on explanations.

In the process of research, you can get 5 results:

It is important to remember that a smear shows only the degree of cell change, the presence of inflammation, infections, but does not determine exactly the cause that causes them.

On the basis of only a study on cytology, the gynecologist does not make a diagnosis, for this a comparison with other analyzes is necessary.

2, 3, 4 type of changes revealed in the study of cytology, may be a sign of diseases:

• ectopia (erosion) of the cervix;
• papillomavirus infection;
• herpes genital;
• parakeratosis of the cervix;
• bacterial vaginitis;
• cercivit;
• vaginal candidiasis, etc.

Result interpretation

Deciphering the results of the analysis for the doctor is a simple matter, for the patient it is incomprehensible letters and terms.

If atypical cells are found in the smear, the laboratory assistant will write about this in the conclusion, and also determine the type of changes. Therefore, if the transcript of a smear for cytology does not contain special notes, then most likely no pathologies were found.

The time for a smear for cytology is from 1 to 5 days. Pathological changes in the cells of the cervical canal and cervix on the way to the diagnosis of "cancer" go through several stages, and not in 1-2 days. Cytological examination allows identifying atypical cells at the initial stage and starting treatment, which in most cases leads to complete recovery. Therefore, cytological examination has been widely introduced into medical practice as a quick, painless and inexpensive way to diagnose cancer cells at an early stage.

Oncological diseases in the field of gynecology are not uncommon. In most cases on early stages development of neoplasms do not cause inconvenience to a woman. The first symptomatology of the disease is noted at advanced degrees, when there is almost no possibility to cure the disease. To avoid the development of serious and life-threatening pathologies of the reproductive system, you need to regularly visit a gynecologist and take tests. The cytological method is one of the most informative. The cytology method allows you to identify various neoplasms, infections.

Analysis for oncocytology is a microscopic examination of the cellular structures of the epithelial layer of the cervix and cervical canal to detect cancer. Cytological analysis also reveals benign neoplasms, inflammation and infection of the genitourinary system. The smear is examined by the Leishman method, the Papanicolaou method (PAP test, PAP test), the liquid version of cytology.

In the first two methods, the analysis of smears consists in applying the material to a special glass, after which it is transferred to the laboratory for study. In the process of analysis, the shape, size and composition of cellular structures are evaluated. The laboratory assistant, having studied the smear, fixes the results and enters the data into the form. The main difference between cytological studies according to Leishman and Papanicolaou is the complexity of the mechanism for staining a material sample.

The liquid method of cytology is the most informative and accurate way to study the cells of the epithelium of the uterus and cervical canal for atypicality. For research by this method, the material is placed in a special liquid medium.. Subsequently, using a centrifuge, the sample is cleaned to combine the structures of the epithelium in one place. After concentration, the cells form an even layer, which allows you to get more accurate results than with conventional cytological smear analysis, when the taken epithelium is applied to the slide.

Indications for research

A smear is recommended for all women over the age of 18, especially if they are sexually active. During pregnancy, a study on atypical cells is carried out without fail immediately after registration, and then every trimester. The cervix after conception is subject to serious physiological changes, which, if predisposed, can cause the progression of pathology. Taking smears makes it possible to detect cell changes in the early stages.

Indications for the delivery of cytology every 6 months are: menstrual disorders, erosive damage and other diseases of the uterus, infection with the human papillomavirus. There are also a number of risk factors for the development of oncology, in the presence of which it is necessary to carefully monitor the state of health and regularly undergo an examination by a gynecologist. These include:

• age over 30;
• abuse of bad habits (alcohol, smoking);
• the beginning of sexual activity at an early age;
• long-term use of contraceptive hormonal drugs;
• frequent change of sexual partners;
• the birth of 2 or more children;
• the presence of oncological diseases in the anamnesis of the next of kin;
• radio wave treatment of gynecological pathologies.

You must follow certain rules before submitting. Before visiting a doctor, it is forbidden to use vaginal creams and suppositories for 5-7 days. It is required to exclude sexual contacts 2-3 days before taking biological material. Douching and douching of the vagina is not recommended. Compliance with the rules is required in order for the smear to show the most reliable results.

Purpose of the study

Many patients, when examined in a gynecological office, having heard that they took a smear for flora and cytology, think about why this is and what it will show. The procedure is carried out without fail during a routine examination of women, as well as with a genetic predisposition to oncology. For clarity in understanding what it is and what research shows, let's consider the pathologies detected in cytology. These include:

1. Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm that develops in the area of ​​the cervix. Pathology is represented by 2 main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Analyzes allow you to identify atypical cells in the early stages of development and take measures for the treatment of oncology.
2. Human papillomavirus infection (PVI) is a group of diseases that affect the epithelium of the genital organs as a result of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is characterized by the formation of various growths on the mucous membrane, for example, warts. If left untreated, infection can lead to cancer. Cytological analysis allows you to detect altered cells at an early stage.
3. Cervical polyps are benign neoplasms located in the cervical canal.
4. Leukoplakia (hyperkeratosis) is a pathological change in the epithelium covering the cervical mucosa.
5. Erythroplakia is an atrophic lesion of the upper layer of the mucous membrane of the cervix.
6. Dysplasia - structural changes in the epithelial cells that cover the uterus. The disease is classified as a precancerous condition.
7. Inflammation. The cytology option makes it possible to detect cellular changes when a harmful pathogen penetrates the reproductive system.

If any changes in the biological material are detected, additional examinations are prescribed to help verify the diagnosis. For example, if there is blood in the urine, a cytological examination of the urine is performed, which makes it possible to confirm or exclude pathologies of the urinary system. Also, if necessary, appoint MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), ultrasound.

Norm and interpretation of results

The smear and the form of its results may differ depending on the laboratory, as well as on the parameters studied. It is considered normal if atypical cells are not found during cytology, which indicates a healthy state of the cervix.

If, on the form with the results of the analysis, it is noted that altered structures have been found, then there is no need to panic and make a diagnosis yourself. Not all types of abnormal cells are cancerous or will become so in the future.

A change in the structures of the epithelium occurs during infection of the genital organs, inflammatory processes and other gynecological diseases. In any case, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an additional examination. The results are presented in the form of 5 degrees of cell condition:

1. Without pathological changes, that is, the woman is healthy and has no diseases.
2. The second class indicates that cell atypicality was not found, but the general structures were changed. The formation of this clinical picture, as a rule, occurs with inflammation.
3. The third degree of change in cellular structures means that a single amount of epithelium prone to atypicality is determined. Dysplasia and erosive lesions of the cervix lead to this condition, but additional diagnostics are required to verify the diagnosis.
4. In the fourth grade, formed cancer cells are found in the sample. The condition is characteristic of complicated degrees of dysplasia.
5. The fifth degree of atypicality means that a significant number of cancer cells were found in the sample. The clinical picture is typical for oncology of the cervix.

Also in the form of the results of smears for cytology, the following data may be contained: the degree of purity of the vagina; the number of squamous epithelial cells and leukocytes; the presence of fungi and bacteria; mucus content. The norm is 1 and 2 degrees of purity of the vagina, 3 and 4 indicate inflammation. Permissible value of squamous epithelium up to 10 units, leukocytes up to 30 units. when taking material from the urethra and up to 10 units. when taking smears from the cervical canal. Bacteria and fungi are normally absent, and mucus is found in moderate amounts.

This smear is a highly informative method that allows you to detect cancer cells at the initial stages of development. At least once a year, every woman needs to undergo routine examinations in order to warn herself against undesirable consequences. If oncology is detected at the beginning of development, then the probability of curing or stopping the progression of the disease is high.